Thesis
Nanoparticle-containing hybrid polymer electrolyte membranes using holographic polymerization
Master of Science (M.S.), Drexel University
01 Jun 2015
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/etd-6534
Abstract
The demand for efficient energy storage will continue to grow as limited energy resources are depleted and the use of mobile technologies increases. Lithium-ion batteries have emerged as an important energy storage alternative, but the use of volatile and flammable liquid electrolytes in commercial applications hinders the safety of these batteries. Liquid electrolytes do not prevent the growth of lithium dendrites, which are the main cause of battery failure in current devices. Solid polymer electrolytes with high mechanical properties have been researched to prevent lithium dendrite growth, but increasing mechanical integrity has a direct tradeoff of reducing ion transport and conductivity. The outstanding challenge in the field of polymer electrolytes is to simultaneously maximize both ionic conductivity and mechanical strength without sacrificing either property. This research is focused on developing an improved solid polymer electrolyte for lithium batteries which offers a combination of high conductivity and mechanical properties. Holographic polymerization was used to pattern silica nanoparticles into polymer electrolyte membranes with segregated acrylate and electrolyte domains. Nanoparticles were incorporated to improve the mechanical strength of the acrylate domain and to enhance the conductivity of the electrolyte. Holographic polymerization was utilized for long-range, defect-free, nanosize morphological control. Two optical setups were used to fabricate gratings with the layers aligned both perpendicular and parallel to the film. The distribution of the nanoparticles in the layers was investigated, in addition to their impact on conductivity, mechanical properties, and morphology. It was found that the composite electrolytes exhibited an increase in both ionic conductivity and Young's modulus. The use of holographic polymerization offers an exciting alternative to produce composite polymer electrolytes with independently tunable properties for use in lithium-ion batteries.
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Details
- Title
- Nanoparticle-containing hybrid polymer electrolyte membranes using holographic polymerization
- Creators
- Brittany L. Gallagher - DU
- Contributors
- Christopher Y. Li (Advisor) - Drexel University (1970-)
- Awarding Institution
- Drexel University
- Degree Awarded
- Master of Science (M.S.)
- Publisher
- Drexel University; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Resource Type
- Thesis
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Materials (Science and) Engineering (Metallurgical Engineering) (1970-2026); College of Engineering (1970-2026); Drexel University
- Other Identifier
- 6534; 991014632324904721